it can be because

English grammar and usage issues

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GBShaw
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Posts: 7
Joined: 04 May 2013, 06:33
Status: Other

it can be because

Unread post by GBShaw »

Without any context, in English is it possible to say:

it can be because....?

I don't think it can, because to refer to a present situation meaning possibility, we use COULD BE, and a past, COULD HAVE BEEN, and CAN is not acceptable English, but I hope a teacher can verify my statement.
MarkTeacher
Member
Posts: 19
Joined: 09 Aug 2013, 19:47
Status: Teacher

Re: it can be because

Unread post by MarkTeacher »

Hi GB Shaw,

I'm a native English teacher online on skype and I agree that it would be 'it could be because'. It sounds better and I believe as you rightly indicate the reason is because we are talking about a conditional or dependent possibility when utlising this structure. I hope that makes sense. Have a great day.
English classes via Skype with native teachers, free trial: http://www.clasesinglesonline.com
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